Commonly referred to as ecstasy, E or molly, MDMA is a psychoactive drug that has had a long history of being used for recreational purposes. Before it gained popularity recreationally, it was used in its unadulterated form as an effective adjunct to psychotherapy.
When the drug was first rediscovered in the 1970s, MDMA was found to robustly influence human emotional status in a unique way without adversely affecting physiological functions or perception, such as visual perception or cognition.
A study conducted by the Beckley/Imperial Research Programme found that the areas of the brain that process autobiographical memories exhibit a less severe response to negative memories when under the influence of MDMA. The combined neurobiological effects of MDMA increase compassion, reduce defenses and fear of emotional injury, and enhance communication and introspection.
Under the influence of MDMA, clients feel safe to explore past memories and experiences that may have felt intolerable to revisit. MDMA can help to provide a safe container for the client so that they can do the therapeutic work.
MDMA transiently increases heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature in a dose-dependent manner that is generally not problematic for physically healthy individuals. Serious Adverse Events involving administration of MDMA in MAPS studies have been uncommon and non-life threatening.
The Luminous Healing Center offers an innovative suite of anxiety, depression and trauma treatments designed to work in concert to promote rapid and lasting healing. We offer individual psychotherapy, intensive outpatient programming, a trauma therapy group, and specialized workshops. In addition we offer adjudicative somatic treatments like bio-feedback, meditation, and sound healing.